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Squashed? This is only the beginning. Just wait after a few my losses. Team sources expect Roethlisberger to ask the [URL="http://www.nfl.com/teams/pittsburghsteelers/profile?team=PIT"]Steelers[/URL] to [URL="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/399557204199899137"]explore a possible trade[/URL] in the offseason, Rapoport was told. Pittsburgh fielded trade offers for [URL="http://www.nfl.com/player/benroethlisberger/2506109/profile"]Big Ben[/URL] last offseason and the team expects to answer the phone again in 2014.

Do you guys not know what this means? It means two things.

One, it wasnt Ben and Ben's camp that leaked this about Ben. It was team sources. Of course Ben would have it squash. And that came right at the start of the game. And you call that, crowd control. He still has plenty of games left to play as a Steeler this season. I think Ben would prefer that Steelers fans didnt know he felt this way until the end of the season. And since it was team sources who released this information, that means that they are laying the ground work, so that when they do trade a franchise QB, their fan base believes they had no choice but to trade an unhappy player.

This is just the beginning. It is going to be an interesting off season.

And the second thing this means, team sources is letting the rest of the league know he is available again this next off season, and it is going to take a lot to get him (like more that what was offered last season). In other words, "Come strong, or don't come at all!!"

This whole new thread on the same topic can go for 20 more pages now.

Ben said it was BS. Rooney said it was BS. Pretty much everyone shut it down. Come clean DD, are you Rapaport's source?

Here is an idea....dont listen to anything that is said about this. But watch the reaction of Steeler fans after a few more loss. And how the reaction is as they stumble into an off season at 5-11.

I have already seen some who have changed their views on this subject from earlier on in the season.

And remember this....as big of a fan that you are, the owners and management of this team are just as big. And as fans of this team, they take losses and losing just as hard. Then factor in the time, hours, years, the millions of dollars they invest in this team, and add the pressure and obligation they have to their employees, I am willing to bet that this is going to happen.

Rooney also said that Bruce Arians was retiring. He obviously was flat out lying when he said that. I was glad that Rooney reacted quickly to these "rumors" with a statement. But is the guy believable after the Arians fiasco?

Here is an idea....dont listen to anything that is said about this. But watch the reaction of Steeler fans after a few more loss. And how the reaction is as they stumble into an off season at 5-11.

I have already seen some who have changed their views on this subject from earlier on in the season.

And remember this....as big of a fan that you are, the owners and management of this team are just as big. And as fans of this team, they take losses and losing just as hard. Then factor in the time, hours, years, the millions of dollars they invest in this team, and add the pressure and obligation they have to their employees, I am willing to bet that this is going to happen.

Well there is the problem right there. It is unrealistic expectations. Many fans do this. They cannot see the forest through the trees. That is not going to happen.

But regardless ownership/management is not only looking at the final outcome of this year, but last years as well. Also the enormous amount of money they are over the cap for 2014, Ben is going to be 32, their team is void of play makers on both sides of the ball, and far too many holes to fill through their ordinary approach to the draft.

I believe that they now believe the best thing for this organization and the quickest way to turn it around is to get an overwhelming offer for Ben. It is no coincidence they added the part about shopping Ben last year. This was sending a message to the league. What you offered last year wasn't enough. And by doing this now they are helping teams to have time to evaluate this and prepare to make the necessary room.

And it is a lot easier to do that what most think. Here is how it is going to work and go down.

The Steelers and Ben (his agent), are gong to come together and agree that what is in the best interests of both is for a change. And the best way to do so is to re-work a new long term contract for him. One that is cap friendly for the Steelers as well as the team he is going to go to. Back end loaded. It gets them out of cap hell and it gives Ben more money and for more years. And the new then has a franchise QB who has a contract that is easier on the front end which makes them feel more comfortable giving up more in return. They can compensate their loss with the freedom and flexibility they will have for free agency.

Win, win situation for all. And I am sure they will give Ben and his agent an opportunity to seek out the trade themselves at first. Find someone they want to go to. And as long as they are willing to give the Steelers what they want, they will do it. Even this may include a team in their own division. Hmmmmmmmmmmm???